1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2013 Smart Fortwo
To start off, 2013 Smart Fortwo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2013 Smart Fortwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Smart Fortwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 462 kg more than 2013 Smart Fortwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Smart Fortwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Smart Fortwo. 2013 Smart Fortwo has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Smart Fortwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2013 Smart Fortwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | Z3 | Fortwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1559 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 33 L |
